Founded in 2008 by young a young and ambitious social entrepreneur, Pencils of Promise has made education accessible to thousands of children in the developing world. It has also led to more than 150 schools being built in just six years. The organization’s “for purpose” approach combines the head of a for-profit business with the heart of a humanitarian non-profit organization.

Adam Braun joined Full Frame contributor Sandra Hughes to share the story of his inspiration for Pencils of Promise and some words of wisdom for young people trying to find their passion.

Adam Braun invested in his passion with Pencils of Promise

Founded in 2008 by young a young and ambitious social entrepreneur, Pencils of Promise has made education accessible to thousands of children in the developing world. It has also led to more than 150 schools being built in just six years. The organization’s “for purpose” approach combines the head of a for-profit business with the heart of a humanitarian non-profit organization. Adam joined Full Frame contributor Sandra Hughes to share the story of his inspiration for Pencils of Promise and some words of wisdom for young people trying to find their passion.

During his travels around the world, Adam asked one child in each country he visited what he or she wanted most. In India, a young boy’s answer was “a pencil.” Those two simple words put Adam on a path that not only changed his life, but led to the creation of a philanthropy model that has had more of a tangible impact in just a few years than some charities have accomplished in decades.

Adam explained how he “started to view the world differently as a result of some of the experiences” he went through as a college student. With what he refers to as his pursuit of a “for purpose career,” Adam broke the mold that has “existed for generations that profit and purpose are pretty distinctly different.”

Braun’s success with Pencils of Promise is proving that philanthropy isn’t only for the rich and famous.

“It doesn’t have to be in huge amounts to make a huge difference,” Braun said.

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